Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington State

In Washington State a misdemeanor Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree offense can have a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. If you are convicted of a gross misdemeanor you could be facing jail time and trouble securing employment in the future. If you have been charged with Rendering criminal assistance in the 1st degree you are facing felony charges.

Often times Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree charges are prosecuted in city courts with differing procedures and penalties. Although a Assault 4th degree charge may sound relatively harmless, it can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to obtain housing and find employment. If convicted many employers will simply pass over your application for years to come. With a criminal record most employers will not ask for an explanation, but simply reject your application. Additionally, government employment and military service may be impossible.

For many people charged with Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree this is the first time they have been on the wrong side of the law. Additionally, this charge is somewhat of a "catch-all" for police when they are aware that they might have trouble proving that the defendant committed another crime

Below I have listed the Washington State Law for Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree:

(1) A person is guilty of rendering criminal assistance in the second degree if he or she renders criminal assistance to a person who has committed or is being sought for a class B or class C felony or an equivalent juvenile offense or to someone being sought for violation of parole, probation, or community supervision.

(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, rendering criminal assistance in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.

(b) Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree is a misdemeanor if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060.